Threatened by a Rent Strike or Tenants’ Union? Here’s What to Do!

May owners have renters talking about a rent strike or have received a threatening letter from a tenants’ rights attorney or tenants’ union trying to intimidate owners into deferring or forgiving rent. What should you do in these situations?

A prominent tenant / landlord law expert has said:

“I’m advising owners who have the economic wherewithal not to capitulate. They are under no legal obligation to waive any rents. If the tenants want to withhold their rent as an extortion tactic, and the landlord can file the evictions right away, they should do so, even if it means waiting for 3 months to get the summons served. If landlords start giving in to that nonsense, the tenant unions will get stronger.”

So, don’t just give in. Know your rights. You may have to wait a bit of time to exercise your rights and get your day in court, but if you can afford to, it may be worth the wait.

This article is for general information purposes only. Before acting, be sure to receive legal advice from an attorney.